In my book Lost Dayton Ohio I talk about the once-luxurious Robert Boulevard near the Great Miami River on the western edge of downtown. The surrounding area was largely residential, with West Third Street serving as a major thoroughfare with businesses and even some … [Read more...] about Then and Now: Urban Renewal at 3rd St and Wilkinson
Downtown Dayton, Ohio: History and Redevelopment Projects
Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
In my last article, I retraced the history of Dayton's Courthouse Square. Now I'll take us from its opening in 1974 to the present day, as well as reflect on possibilities for the future. The Square: From the 1970s to Today Courthouse Square has had a rocky 50 years of … [Read more...] about Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
History of the United Business Services (UBS) Building
I recently published an article about Woodard Development's foray into the Oregon District. Today I'll cover the history of another building they purchased just on the edge of the historic neighborhood. The former United Business Services (UBS) Building is located at … [Read more...] about History of the United Business Services (UBS) Building
The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St
Downtown Dayton west of Wilkinson Street is an area that's lost many beautiful buildings over the years. In fact, its transformation from dense residential neighborhood to large complexes for government and educational institutions was so complete that I wrote an article … [Read more...] about The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St
Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
Photos for this article were taken by Alex Parks, professional photographer/videographer and drone pilot. See more of Alex's work at parkspromedia.com. According to recent reports and funding requests, Infinity Labs, a "fast-growing defense contractor" is planning a … [Read more...] about Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
Dayton’s Centre City as Multi-Building Complex
With the success of the Dayton Arcade redevelopment and phase two well underway, the project partners have turned their attention to a prominent building across the street, the Centre City Building. Model Group and Cross Street Partners plan to buy the massive downtown … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Centre City as Multi-Building Complex
Dayton and Its Apotheosis: The Making and Re-Making of an American City
Editor's note: The following article by James Steeber is the first installment in a series of reflections about downtown Dayton Recently, a posting to Facebook of a 1974 color photograph of the new Homestead Federal Building in Downtown Dayton (2nd & Jefferson), … [Read more...] about Dayton and Its Apotheosis: The Making and Re-Making of an American City
Then and Now: Downtown Homes Long Demolished at 4th and Perry
I've written some about the western side of downtown Dayton, which before urban renewal was largely residential and contained some of the most beautiful homes in the city. The street that featured the largest concentration of "luxury" housing was Robert Boulevard, which … [Read more...] about Then and Now: Downtown Homes Long Demolished at 4th and Perry
History of Dayton’s Old Courthouse
The old Montgomery County courthouse is one of Dayton's (and Ohio's) finest architectural treasures. Fortunately you can find it still standing right near the center of downtown. The foundation for the courthouse was laid in 1847 and the job took three years to complete. … [Read more...] about History of Dayton’s Old Courthouse
Dayton Arcade Post-Closure: Timeline and Redevelopment Efforts
The Third Street Arcade, Then and Now (Photos by Dan Arnold) Read Part 1: Dayton Arcade: A Historical Timeline Our last article left off in spring of 1991, when the Dayton Arcade finally closed after years of decline. (Two tenants did remain open: Arcade Seafoods with its … [Read more...] about Dayton Arcade Post-Closure: Timeline and Redevelopment Efforts